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The Face Shop's Green Tea Oil Free Toner: A Review

Posted by
Tina Elaine Resuello
at
9:03 PM
Tuesday, June 17, 2014

I've been using the Etude House's Wonder Pore Freshner for 6 months now (sometimes alternately with Celeteque's Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner). I didn't have any regrets using the product-- no massive acne breakouts and less oiliness than when not using any toner. As my previous bottle of toner is about to emptied, I resolved to trying out new brands.

With Korea being the leading innovator for skin care products and make-ups, I've chosen to have a shot on organic ones. I have tried very few The Face Shop products already but all of them were make-ups. So allow me this time to share with you my short experience with The Face Shop's Green Tea Oil Free Toner. I did a little EBM (evidence-based medicine) here, too. Hihi.

Photo grabbed from Pomesbeauty.com

Apart from other popular botanical agents such as chamomile, tea tree and licorice, green tea has become a favorite ingredient among organic skin care products. It's a commonly consumed beverage worldwide particularly in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China and India. And for tea consumers like me, many of you may have read or heard that it contains polyphenolic compounds, more specifically epicatechins, which are well-studied and known to have not only anti-oxidant but also anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, it's anti-carcinogenic properties have also been under study. The in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies suggest that greentea
polyphenols are photoprotective in nature, and can be used as
pharmacological agents for the prevention of solar UVB light-induced skin disorders like photoaging, melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers after more clinical trials in humans, according to a study by Katiyar in 2003. These are the very reasons why many cosmetic companies supplement their skin care products with green tea extract.

When I was choosing which among the brand's toners to try, my primary goal was to find a product which could help mollify or somehow lessen my face's oiliness, which you may know I blame to my previous tretinoin use. So when I came across the product, I became a little positive that it might help me. The product comes in 150 mL bottle and claims to be useful for all skin types-- more suitable of course for normal to oily, sensitive skin.

The bottle's
opening has the right size to get just the right amount you need on your cotton ball or face pad.

Upon pouring an ample amount on my cotton, I realize it's not your usual consistency of a toner. It's a little dense than the previous ones I've used. When I applied it though, it never felt sticky. It rubbed well on my face.

The green tea scent is what I absolutely like about this product. It gives me a relaxing feeling afterwards, apart from themoisturizing effect it gives on my skin. One thing I noticed, however, is that it doesn't really leave my face feeling tight later. I really don't know with other people but apparently, it doesn't give me that.I'm used to applying toners at least
twice a day-- once in the morning before applying make-up and in the
evening before going to sleep. I guess using it more frequently wouldn't hurt. I really love the soothing feeling it gives while I apply.

What's in this product? Aside from organically-grown Boseong green tea extract, the toner contains a few interesting ingredients. It's moisture complex is a combination of Xanthan gum, betain and gylcerin which basically is a lubricant and a stabilizer, preventing the product from separating and at the same time, helps keep your skin hydrated. It also contains the 5 free system consisting of artificial coloring, benzophenone, minerals, animal derived
materials and alcohol. Benzophenone is an organic compound used in sunscreen.

Now onto the imperative question. Does it keep my face from being oily? Well, I've been using it for almost a week now and so far, there has been no drastic change yet with my skin type. But I guess you also don't expect that from a skin care product, do you? Specially if you have only been using for a few days. A double-blinded study by Chiu, et al., in 2005 suggests that longer supplementation may be required for clinically observable improvements. Also, I would like to try the whole line hoping, of course, that it would improve my regimen. The line is complete with Oil Free Toner (Php595), Waterfall Serum (Php795), and Waterfull Emulsion (Php595).

What facial wash do you use prior to using this toner? Do you also use a moisturizer afterwards because since you mentioned that it has moisturizing effects, I wonder if you still need a moisturizer afterwards? By the way, I love the review and Face Shop is one of my sister's favorite go-to shops when she needs something for her face. :)